I've been considering the value in a detailed explanation of a wave to the Ambergris Public.Divemasters are taught about them. Understanding them is a key to understanding the importance of our Barrier reef, turtle grass beds and the negative effects of sea walls and dredging.These people have nothing for the wave to dissipate its energy on.A swell approaches the coastline and comes into contact with the sea floor the waves will start to slow down. Some of the waves energy is lost through contact with the sea floor. The shallower the water becomes the slower they move.In general a wave will start to break when it reaches a water depth of 1.3 times the wave height.A wave is destructive energy that dissipates on three elements that Ambergris has to protect it. Its probably worth the time to explain how these elements make the island grow instead of wash away.but not now and not here . I'm going diving.

Hey Elbert - that would be a super idea --- and if you can do it, please do!

I've seen a very interesting graphical explanation of the wave and seabottom effect. Funnily enough the study is called the "SLOSH Factor". Can't recall where I found it - Jeff Masters or NHC or both ............

What happened in Bolivar is that they got hit two ways with a kind of wave action San Pedro can't get. How's that for brevity.:-)